Gabbar Is Back is a 2015 Hindi action film directed by Krish and starring Akshay Kumar in the lead role. A remake of the Tamil film Ramanna, the movie blends action, drama, and social issues, all while paying tribute to one of Bollywood’s most iconic villains, Gabbar Singh from Sholay. Released on May 1, 2015, the film quickly captured the audience’s attention with its high-octane action sequences and Akshay Kumar’s powerful performance. The movie touches upon themes of corruption, justice, and revenge, making it a gripping watch for fans of action films with a social message. In this review, we will explore the plot, the strengths and weaknesses of the film, and whether it lives up to the legacy of its legendary predecessor.
Plot Summary
The story of Gabbar Is Back revolves around Aditya (Akshay Kumar), a man who takes on the corrupt system and its leaders to restore justice. Gabbar, a vigilante figure, fights against the corrupt politicians and police officers who exploit the common people. After witnessing the brutal murder of his close friend, Aditya adopts the identity of Gabbar and sets out to expose the corrupt officials, bringing them to justice in his own way. The film follows his journey of revenge and redemption as he takes down those who abuse their power, using extreme methods to bring about a change in the system. Along the way, he is pursued by a tough cop, played by Sunil Grover, who is determined to catch him. The film explores themes of justice, corruption, and the impact of vigilantism on society.
What’s Good?
Gabbar Is Back has several strong points that make it a thrilling watch for action lovers. First and foremost is Akshay Kumar’s performance. As the titular character, he brings a raw intensity to the role of Gabbar. His portrayal of a man driven by vengeance and justice is both compelling and engaging. Akshay’s action sequences are top-notch, and he carries the film with his strong screen presence.
The direction by Krish is another highlight of the film. The film is paced well, ensuring that the audience remains hooked from start to finish. The action scenes are well-choreographed, and the movie does not shy away from showcasing intense moments, making it an adrenaline rush for viewers who enjoy high-energy action. The dialogues are impactful, with many memorable lines that add to the drama and intensity of the film.
The music of Gabbar Is Back also deserves a mention. The soundtrack, composed by Chirantan Bhatt, includes a few catchy songs that blend well with the film’s tone. Songs like “Teri Meri Kahani” and “Aaj Ki Raat” are not just enjoyable but also help to elevate the emotional depth of the story. The background score, composed by Sandeep Shirodkar, complements the action sequences and adds to the suspense and thrill of the movie.
Cinematography by Manoj Lobo is another strength of the film. The visuals are sharp, and the film captures the gritty essence of the story. The settings, whether in the urban streets or the more intense confrontations, are effectively portrayed. The camera work is tight and focused, ensuring that the action sequences are clear and impactful.
Strengths and Weaknesses
While Gabbar Is Back has a lot going for it, there are also a few areas where it could have been better. One of the film’s strengths is undoubtedly its powerful lead performance. Akshay Kumar’s portrayal of Gabbar is charismatic, and he manages to make the character both menacing and heroic at the same time. His presence elevates the film and makes it more than just another action movie.
The movie also does a great job of addressing social issues, particularly corruption, and the need for justice. It resonates with viewers who are frustrated with the system and want to see change. The action scenes are well-executed, and the film keeps a good pace, ensuring that the audience remains engaged.
However, the film’s weakness lies in its predictability. While the premise is solid, the narrative follows a familiar formula, and the plot twists are not as surprising as one might hope. Some moments feel a bit forced, and the screenplay doesn’t always allow for much character development outside of the central figure of Gabbar. The supporting cast, while competent, does not have much to do except play secondary roles. The film also tends to lean heavily on action and intensity, sometimes at the expense of deeper emotional exploration or more nuanced storytelling.
Additionally, the film’s reliance on violence and extreme measures to address societal issues may not sit well with everyone. While it adds to the film’s dramatic flair, it might be seen as a bit excessive for those who prefer a more grounded approach to storytelling.
Target Audience
Gabbar Is Back is primarily targeted at action movie lovers and fans of Akshay Kumar. The film’s high-energy action sequences, dramatic confrontations, and social themes will appeal to those who enjoy a mix of intense action with a strong moral message. It is also a good pick for viewers who are interested in vigilante justice films and enjoy a bit of suspense and drama. The film may not be suitable for younger audiences due to its mature themes and violent content. Those looking for light-hearted entertainment or deep emotional storytelling might find the movie lacking in that regard.
Box Office Details
Gabbar Is Back had a successful run at the box office, thanks to its star power and action-packed content. The total budget of the movie was approximately ₹60 crore. The film performed well both in India and overseas, with its worldwide box office collection crossing ₹160 crore.
On the opening day, the movie earned around ₹13 crore in India. The earnings continued to grow over the next few days, with Day 2 bringing in ₹15 crore, Day 3 ₹17 crore, and Day 4 ₹18 crore. By the end of the first weekend, the movie had grossed over ₹60 crore in India. Overseas, the film performed reasonably well, earning around ₹10 crore in its opening weekend. The movie continued to perform strongly in the following weeks, cementing its place as a hit in Akshay Kumar’s filmography.
The film’s success can be attributed to its strong fan base, action-packed sequences, and the timely social message it delivered, resonating with a wide audience. Despite some criticism for its predictable plot, the movie managed to maintain a solid box office performance.
Recommendation
In conclusion, Gabbar Is Back is an entertaining action film with a strong lead performance by Akshay Kumar. While it may not offer anything new in terms of storytelling, its action sequences, social message, and engaging performances make it worth watching for fans of the genre. If you enjoy films that combine action with a touch of social commentary, Gabbar Is Back is a solid choice. It is an engaging watch for those looking for a thrilling ride.
Table of Contents
Genres:
Drama, Action
Rating:
7/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Akshay Kumar | Professor Aditya / Gabbar |
| Shruti Haasan | Shruti |
| Suman Talwar | Digvijay Patil |
| Jaideep Ahlawat | C.B.I Officer Kuldeep Pahwa |
| Sunil Grover | Hawaldar Sadhuram |
| Ishita Vyas | Veena |
| Shruti Bapna | Lakshmi |
| Kareena Kapoor Khan | Sunaina |
| Ravi Prakash | Ravi |
| Manoj Chandila | Vikas Patil |
| Ninad Kamat | Police Inspector |
| Saanvi Talwar | Reporter |
| Fareed Ahmed | Parvesh |
| Chitrangda Singh | Special Appearance in “Aao Raja” Song |
| Jagdish Rajpurohit | Sub Inspector Yadav |
| Rajiv Kachroo |
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Disclaimer: Some of the information on the article, including box office collection, cast, crew, and movie details, is sourced from IMDb. However, our reviews are based on our team's firsthand viewing experience and reflect our honest opinions about the movie.
